Question 1

What real-life discovery inspired the film's story?

Accepted Answer

The film is loosely based on a 15-year-old darkroom apprentice, Luo Jin, who secretly compiled photos of the Nanjing Massacre into an album in 1938. The album was later discovered by Wu Xuan and preserved for years before being handed to postwar authorities.

Question 2

Why did the director cast actors from different regions?

Accepted Answer

The director intentionally cast actors from diverse regions to reflect Nanjing's role as a cultural crossroads, and encouraged dialect performances inspired by his grandparents, who communicated perfectly despite distinct regional accents.

Question 3

What historical detail is behind the looting of Nanjing's city wall bricks?

Accepted Answer

The film's depiction of Japanese soldiers looting Nanjing's city wall bricks reflects historical accounts of materials taken for Japan's Hakko ichiu Tower, which contains over 370 stones from occupied territories, including more than 200 from China.

Question 4

What is the significance of the postman's employee number 1213?

Accepted Answer

The postman Su Liuchang's employee number 1213 coincides with the date the Nanjing Massacre began—December 13, 1937.

Question 5

Who plays the postman Su Liuchang?

Accepted Answer

Haoran Liu plays the character Su Liuchang, the postman who poses as a photo developer during the Nanjing Massacre.

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